If you’re interested in Cybersecurity, a solid foundation in IT is crucial. The A+ is your way of telling employers you know the basics of technology. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this valuable certification and how it can pave the way for a career in cybersecurity.
What Is The CompTIA A+?
The CompTIA A+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates the foundational skills needed for a career in IT support and operational roles. Many aspiring cybersecurity professionals get this cert as it covers a broad range of hardware and software technologies, emphasizing the skills necessary for troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Who should pursue this certification?
- Aspiring IT professionals who want an entry-level IT position
- Cybersecurity enthusiasts seeking to validate their IT knowledge
- Anyone looking to build a strong foundation in IT
- Experience Level: Beginners
- Certificate Focus: Foundational IT Knowledge
- Exam Voucher Pricing: $478 USD (varies depending on your location)
- Training Pricing: Abundance Of Free Training Material Online
CompTIA A+ Certification Details
Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for the A+ certification. However, CompTIA recommends having 9-12 months of hands-on experience in the lab or field.
Validity: The certification is valid for three years. To maintain your certification, complete continuing education units (CEUs) or retake the exam.
Benefits: Holding a CompTIA A+ certification can:
- Boost your employability in entry-level IT positions
- Provide a solid foundation for further IT specializations
- Demonstrate your commitment to the IT field
- Increase your earning potential
CompTIA A+ Exam Overview
The CompTIA A+ certification requires passing two exams:
- Core 1 (220-1101)
-
Core 2 (220-1102)
Each exam has a maximum of 90 questions, including multiple-choice and performance-based items. You’ll have 90 minutes to complete each exam, and a passing score is 675 (on a scale of 100-900) for Core 1 and 700 for Core 2.
CompTIA A+ Exam Cost
The standard price for each CompTIA A+ exam is $239 USD, totaling $478 for both required exams. Costs may vary depending on your location and whether you purchase any additional study materials or bundles. Look out for discounts or vouchers, especially if you’re a student or military member.
Checkout CompTIA’s official A+ exam page for the more pricing info.
CompTIA A+ Exam Objectives
The exams cover the following main domain areas:
Core 1 (220-1101):
- Mobile Devices (15%)
- Networking (20%)
- Hardware (25%)
- Virtualization and Cloud Computing (11%)
-
Hardware and Network Troubleshooting (29%)
Core 2 (220-1102):
- Operating Systems (31%)
- Security (25%)
- Software Troubleshooting (22%)
- Operational Procedures (22%)
How to Study for CompTIA A+
Like most entry-level certificates from CompTIA, you can easily find free and high-quality resources online. Professor Messer is a go-to option
Consider the following steps:
- Official CompTIA A+ Study Guide: Start with the official guides to ensure you’re covering all required topics.
- Online Courses: Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning offer comprehensive A+ courses.
- Practice Tests: Regular practice tests help identify knowledge gaps and familiarize you with the exam format.
-
Hands-on Experience: Set up a home lab to practice hardware and software troubleshooting.
CompTIA A+ Practice Test Resources
Testing yourself often makes the difference in a passing and failing score. Super useful in identifying what your weaknesses are.
- Official CompTIA CertMaster Practice: Offers adaptive learning and performance-based questions.
- Third-party Providers: Websites like ExamCompass and CertBlaster offer free practice questions.
- Paid Options: Providers like Kaplan IT Training and Sybex offer more comprehensive practice exams.
The A+ is a big exam. Two separate tests and a lot of content coverage makes this test simple: memorize, memorize, memorize.
How Hard Is The CompTIA A+?
Many consider it challenging because of how much content is covered. This exam will be a breeze if you’re good at rote memorization. Even tech-savvy individuals need dedicated study time for the A+ exam. It covers a wide range of specific details that may not be part of your daily IT experience. Some exam content might seem obscure, but thorough preparation is key to passing, regardless of your background.
CompTIA A+ Salary Expectations
Salaries for A+ certified professionals can vary based on factors like location, experience, and specific job role. According to PayScale, the average salary for professionals with CompTIA A+ certification is around $57,000 per year in the United States.
Entry-level positions might start around $40,000, while more experienced professionals can earn upwards of $75,000. Remember, certification alone doesn’t guarantee a specific salary – your overall experience and skills play a significant role.
CompTIA A+ Jobs and Career Opportunities
The A+ certification can open doors to various entry-level IT roles, including:
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Field Service Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Associate Network Engineer
CompTIA A+ and Cybersecurity: Building a Foundation
While the CompTIA A+ is not specifically a cybersecurity certification, it provides an essential foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Here’s how A+ ties into cybersecurity:
- Basic Security Knowledge: The A+ curriculum includes fundamental security concepts, providing a basic understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and security best practices.
- Network Fundamentals: Understanding networking is crucial in cybersecurity. A+ covers basic networking concepts that are essential for security professionals.
- Hardware and Software Expertise: Knowing how systems work at a hardware and software level is vital for identifying and mitigating security risks.
- Troubleshooting Skills: The problem-solving skills developed through A+ training are directly applicable to identifying and resolving security issues.
Career Progression: Many cybersecurity professionals start their careers in IT support roles. A+ certification can help you land these entry-level positions, providing real-world experience valuable for a future cybersecurity career.
After obtaining your A+ certification, you might consider pursuing more specialized security certifications like CompTIA Security+.
Conclusion
The CompTIA A+ certification is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to begin or advance their IT career. While it may be challenging for some, it’s often a required stepping stone to IT.
Whether you’re aiming to start an IT support role, change career paths, or lay the groundwork for a future in cybersecurity, A+ is a solid investment.
Off the Record
Are you generally comfortable with technology? Do you now how to do basic troubleshooting with software and hardware? Depending on your path and background, you can skip this certificate. Especially if your goal is cybersecurity, there are other things you can do that’ll increase your chances of a job (personal projects, networking, security-focused certificates, IT work experience).
The A+ is commonly seen as harder than the Security+. Many people can get by with common sense on the Security+. But the A+ has so much rote memorization involved, and so much content you need to memorize, that in a sense it’s harder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the CompTIA A+ certification cost in total?
The standard price is $478 USD for both required exams, but costs may vary based on location and available discounts.
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the A+ exams?
Most people spend 2-4 months studying, depending on their background and study intensity.
Q: Is CompTIA A+ worth it for someone with some IT experience?
Yes, even with experience, the A+ can validate your skills, potentially leading to better job opportunities or promotions.
Q: Can I take the A+ exams online?
Yes, CompTIA offers both in-person and online proctored exams for A+.
Q: How does A+ compare to other entry-level IT certifications?
A+ is one of the most recognized entry-level IT certifications, covering a broad range of topics that provide a solid foundation for various IT career paths.